Azzedine Layachi

Azzedine Layachi serves as Professor of Government and Politics in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at St. John's University, with active leadership roles on the Executive Board of the American Institute of Maghribi Studies (AIMS) and the Advisory Board of the Maghreb Center (Washington, D.C.). Previously, he held presidencies at both the Northeastern Political Science Association and the New York State Political Science Association.

His educational background includes:

• Bachelor’s Degree from Institut des Etudes Politiques, University of Algiers
• Master’s Degree in International Affairs, New York University
• Ph.D. in International Affairs, New York University

Layachi’s research centers on North African and Middle Eastern political dynamics, with emphasis on economic development, political Islam, ethnic politics, and democratization processes. His work critically examines state-society relations in Algeria and Morocco, analyzing how colonial legacies, Islamist movements, and ethnic identities shape contemporary governance. He bridges academic rigor with policy relevance through frequent contributions to public discourse.

His publications since the 1990s reveal a consistent focus on Maghrebi politics, evolving from structural adjustment impacts to post-Arab Spring transitions. Key themes include Islamist movement strategies, Berber ethnic mobilization, electoral politics, and colonial historical trauma. His output spans scholarly journals (e.g., Journal of North African Studies), edited volumes, and op-eds in The Daily Star, reflecting dual engagement with academic and policy audiences.

Teaching responsibilities encompass core political science subjects and specialized regional courses, including Comparative Politics, Politics of the Middle East/Africa, International Law, and Model United Nations. His curriculum emphasizes real-world applications through courses on developing-world politics, U.S. foreign policy, and nation-state dynamics.